Banyan Tree brings a villa vibe to Shanghai

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts recently opened its first "urban resort" in China, the Shanghai on the Bund.

The new property, offering views of the Bund thoroughfare and Huangpu River, officially opened on Oct. 22.

The property is Banyan Tree's fourth to employ its "urban resort" concept, which aims to fuse the hotel group's signature luxury offerings with the facilities and services of a premier city-based retreat.

Its four properties considered urban resorts — the other three are in Bangkok, Macau and Seoul — offer features the company says are not normally found in urban properties, such as en-suite swimming pools, personal gardens and a space similar to a private villa.

In the case of Shanghai, it brings those amenities to a high-rise complex. The Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund is part of Above the Bund, a retail and residential complex also home to a Luxury Yacht Club.

"Following the success of our group's three other urban resorts … Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund capitalizes on our core brand value of rejuvenation and offers a sanctuary for the senses within the context of Shanghai's vast urban cityscape," Pancho Llamas, general manager of the property, said in a statement.

Banyan Tree said the property is the only one in Shanghai to provide river views from each of its 130 rooms.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including the Oasis Room, which features a private dipping pool. The Banyan Suite has a "generously sized" swimming pool, which the company calls unique among Shanghai hotels. Rates begin at $479 per night.

The Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund has several food and beverage outlets, including Oceans, a Western seafood restaurant; Ming Yuan, a Cantonese restaurant; and Tai Hei, a high-end Japanese sashimi and sushi counter. The outdoor, rooftop bar Stars offers panoramic views of the Huangpu River.